Sappho and Phaon: Sonnet XII

NOW, o'er the tesselated pavement strew
Fresh saffron, steep'd in essence of the rose,
While down yon agate column gently flows
A glitt'ring streamlet of ambrosial dew !
My Phaon smiles ! the rich carnation's hue,
On his flush'd cheek in conscious lustre glow,
While o'er his breast enamour'd Venus throws
Her starry mantle of celestial blue !
Breathe soft, ye dulcet flutes, among the trees
Where clust'ring boughs with golden citron twine ;
While slow vibrations, dying on the breeze,
Shall sooth his soul with harmony divine !
Then let my form his yielding fancy seize,
And all his fondest wishes blend with mine.